Mississippi College Boosters Set to Tee Off, Support Athletic Programs at Mike Jones Golf Tournament

Funds raised from the Mike Jones-MC Athletics Golf Tournament - "One of the best golf tournaments in the area," according to Kenny Bizot, MC athletic director - will support the Athletic Department's day-to-day operations.

The beauty of a late spring day. The smell of a freshly cut course. The sound of a clubhead whipping through the air and connecting squarely with the ball. The camaraderie of fellow golf enthusiasts and Mississippi College supporters.

Participants in the Mike Jones-MC Athletics Golf Tournament scheduled for Thursday-Friday, May 11-12, at Lake Caroline Golf Club in Madison don’t have to be professionals. Boosters and friends of the Christian University are welcome to pull on their spikes, grab their golf bags, and swing away.

“The golf tournament is open to anyone who would like to play,” said Kenny Bizot, MC athletic director. “It’s a great event to visit with so many of our fans, alumni, and supporters. It has grown into one of the best golf tournaments in the area.

“A lot of work goes into the tournament to provide a great experience for our golfers.”

Named for MC’s former athletic director and legendary head men’s basketball coach Mike Jones – a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer who was also inducted into the Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame last month – the tournament is a four-person scramble over three rounds in two days. Proceeds help the MC Athletic Department with day-to-day expenses.

Tim Fritts, director of development for athletics at MC, said the tournament is a “very special event” for the athletic department.

“While it is a wonderful event for our athletics staff and coaches to meet and share time with alumni, fans, and supporters, it is also a major event financially for our athletic department, teams, and student-athletes,” Fritts said. “Funds raised will go directly to the athletics department to address various needs our teams and coaches may have throughout the year.”

Registration will open at 7 a.m. Thursday for the morning wave and noon on Thursday and Friday for the afternoon waves. The Thursday morning wave will tee off at 7:30 a.m., while the Thursday and Friday afternoon waves will tee off at 12:30 p.m. Boxed lunches will be available at 11 a.m. Thursday, compliments of MMI Dining. Two beverage carts with snacks and drinks will be available on the course throughout the tournament.

Prizes will be awarded to flight winners and to individuals for closest to the hole, longest drive, and longest putt. Each participant also will receive various official tournament prizes.

Tournament sponsorship opportunities are available. Corporate sponsors will receive a banner, one team, and four season passes for $2,500. Hole sponsors will receive hole signage, one team, and two season passes for $1,200. Team sponsorships cost $600 each, individual participants cost $150 each, and cart sponsorships cost $100 each.

“We are grateful to our corporate sponsors and all those that take the time to come and play in the Mike Jones-MC Athletics Golf Tournament,” Bizot said. “It is a great couple of days for everyone to enjoy golf and fellowship on a beautiful golf course.”

For more information, to purchase sponsorships, or to turn in team and player information, email Tim Fritts, director of development for athletics, at tfritts@mc.edu or call 601.925.7826.